Office spaces are designed with many ergonomics rules kept in mind, and appropriate furniture, work desks, and spaces provided to optimize human productivity as well as comfort. All office spaces need to comply with certain rules and provide certain facilities, so the health and comfort of the employees and workers are not compromised.

With the COVID-19 crisis hitting us so suddenly, the entire world shifted to working out of their homes, instead of offices. In our hurry to move out of our offices to avoid the possibly fatal coronavirus, we overlooked some health dangers to ourselves present in working from home as well.

These health hazards occur because we don’t have the necessary and appropriate furniture at home that is conducive to working. Home furniture is mostly meant to be relaxing, and aesthetic, and as a result, are not ideal for working in for long hours a day.

There is a large difference in the furniture used in offices and workplaces, and those that are used at home. Office furniture takes into account a lot of specific details, such as that a neutral posture of the worker is maintained, that the computer screens and keyboards are adjusted at the eye and elbow height, and that primary and secondary work zones are considered when designing tables and desks.

Health Hazards of Remote Working

Some of the health issues that can develop in remote workers due to working in less-than-ideal situations and furniture at home include

Eye Strain

Due to insufficient lighting at homes and computers screen kept at inadvisable distances, many remote workers have more strain on their eyes than people working in offices where these things are taken into account. Long term strain may weaken their eyesight further.

Posture and Back Issues

Most people did not have the time to set up proper work stations at home. Many were just utilizing kitchen chairs, sofas, or even their beds to work from. This puts excessive strains on their lower and upper backs, giving them extreme back pain, rounded shoulders, and spinal dysfunction.

Arms and Hands Problems

It is advised that your wrists must be straight and in line with the forearms, and your keyboard be at level with your elbows. Home furniture is generally not adjustable and thus could cause people to keep working without paying heed to these instructions, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

The employers have a responsibility towards their workers, and to ensure compliance, the government has the Occupation Health Standards meant to safeguard employee health and safety in the workplace. Just because the workplace had temporarily changed and people aren’t working from offices does not relieve employers of that responsibility. They must inform the workers and employees of the health hazards of working from homes and advise them to invest in good-quality office furniture for themselves.

The coronavirus is still not over in many parts of the world yet, and it might still be a while before you are to return to your offices. It is a good idea to invest in some office furniture and set up a proper corner in your house dedicated to working. You don’t have to spend a lot on office furniture; you can get used office furniture at very reasonable prices and protect yourself from easily avoidable issues such as these.

Continental Office Group have many such used office desks and chairs available for purchase, so you can have a comfortable work station without burning a hole in your pocket.